The government of Burkina Faso , led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré , adopted a bill on December 4, 2025, in a cabinet meeting, aimed at reinstating the death penalty . This decision is the most significant measure in a broad reform of the Penal Code undertaken by the authorities in Ouagadougou.

⚖️ Crimes Targeted by the Reinstatement of the Capital Penalty

Several serious offenses are now punishable by death , including:

1. High treason .
2. Acts of terrorism .
3. Acts of espionage .

According to the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, Edasso Rodrigue Bayala , this adoption is part of a broader reform process aimed at creating a justice system that responds to the "deep aspirations of the people." The reinstatement of the death penalty was anticipated, with several government sources having publicly mentioned it as early as November 2024.

🚨 Other Key Measures of the Reform

In addition to reinstating the death penalty, the reform of the Penal Code introduces other

major changes :

1. Increased Sanctions for Homosexuality: The "promotion of homosexual and related practices" will now be punished more severely.
2. Re-evaluation of Fines: The minimum fines for all offences (misdemeanors or felonies) are increased, from 250,000 CFA francs to 500,000 CFA francs .
3. Stricter Traffic Penalties: Penalties related to road traffic have been significantly increased, with Minister Bayala citing the fact that 90 to 95% of accidents are due to the user.
4. Economic Crimes: Sanctions for embezzlement and acts of corruption can now go as far as life imprisonment if the amount embezzled is equal to or greater than 5 billion CFA francs .
5. Community Service: The bill establishes community service as a primary sentence.

🌐 Context and Reactions

The reinstatement of the death penalty marks a reversal from the former Penal Code of 2018, which had abolished it.

1. International Reaction: The NGO Human Rights Watch described this measure as "the latest blow to the degrading human rights situation in this West African country."
2. Global Context: Burkina Faso is going against international trends. Approximately 170 countries worldwide have abolished the death penalty or established a moratorium, following the recommendations of the United Nations General Assembly and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR).
3. Background: The last capital executions in the country date back to 1988 .

This reform, and in particular the reintroduction of the death penalty, is presented by the authorities as being in line with the vision and instructions given by the head of state.